Former priest charged with assaulting two altar boys in Cork church

A former priest has been remanded on bail after he was charged with sexually assaulting two altar boys in the sacristy of a church in Co Cork over 20 years ago.

Patrick Crowley, 62, was brought before Cork District Court where he was charged with nine counts of sexually assaulting the boys.

The State alleges that Mr Crowley sexually assaulted one boy on six occasions and the second boy on three occasions on various dates between 1 September 1989 and 31 May 1990.

The court heard evidence of arrest, charge and caution and that Mr Crowley, of Cuan Mhuire, Athy, Co Kildare, made no reply to any of the charges when they were put to him after caution.

After hearing an outline of the alleged facts, Judge Olann Kelleher said he wanted to read statements from the complainants before making a decision on jurisdiction and adjourned the matter until 5 June.

He remanded the former priest on his own bond of €400 to appear again on 5 June.